Tanzanite Mining Day Trip from Arusha: Merelani Hills

Savor a local lunch and sip mineral water as you explore Tanzania’s rare blue gem.

A full-day tour from Arusha takes you into the Merelani Hills, where tanzanite is mined, with an English-speaking guide who explains the gemstone's discovery and formation. The tour includes transportation, lunch at a local restaurant, mineral water, and time to browse tanzanite jewelry at the store. Pickup is included. Minimum age is 16.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore tanzanite mining and shopping

• Learn tanzanite history and formation
• Visit Merelani Hills mining area
• Enjoy personalized tanzanite jewelry shopping

The experience

The tour starts with a drive from Arusha into the rugged Merelani Hills, where tanzanite lies beneath the surface. Your guide walks you through the serendipitous discovery of the gemstone, its geological formation, and the properties that have made it prized worldwide. You'll see where the mining happens and understand the journey from raw stone to polished gem.

After the mine visit, you have time to browse the jewelry store at your own pace. The selection runs from rings and earrings to pendants and bracelets, and staff are on hand to help you find a piece that fits your budget and taste. Lunch at a local restaurant is included, along with mineral water throughout the day. Transportation from your Arusha location and parking fees are covered.

What’s included

• Transportation from Arusha.
• English-speaking guide.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• mineral water.
• parking fees.
• time to browse and shop for tanzanite jewelry at the on-site store.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 to 60 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Home Villa Expeditions

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guide explaining the tanzanite mining process and geology while you move through the Merelani Hills as a group, rather than exploring independently.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Tanzanite Mining Day Trip take?

The tour runs between five and ten hours depending on your pace at the mine and how long you spend browsing the jewelry store.

What happens at the Merelani Hills during the tour?

The Merelani Hills is where tanzanite is mined. Your guide shows you the mining site, explains how the gemstone formed underground, and tells the story of its discovery in Tanzania.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks?

Yes, lunch is served at a local restaurant during the tour, and mineral water is provided throughout the day.

Do I need to be a certain age to go on this tour?

The minimum age is 16 years old.

What's included in the price?

Transportation from Arusha, parking fees, lunch, mineral water, and the guide are all included. The tour also gives you time to shop for tanzanite jewelry at the store, though any purchases are separate.